Multinational exercise Cobra Gold set to begin in Thailand

CAMP H.M. SMITH, HI, UNITED STATES

01.18.2013

Courtesy Story

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii – Service members from every branch of the U.S. military will join military members from throughout the Asia-Pacific region to participate in exercise Cobra Gold 2013 Feb. 11-21 in the Kingdom of Thailand.

CG 13 is the 32nd iteration in a series of recurring multinational and multiservice exercises hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand and developed by the Royal Thai and U.S. militaries.

“Thailand and the United States have been treaty allies since 1833, and our long-standing alliance is built on shared values and is a key example of America’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region,” said Brig. Gen. Richard L. Simcock, the U.S. Pacific Command-designated executive agent senior representative for CG 13.

The exercise is the largest multinational exercise in the Asia-Pacific region with approximately 13,000 participants from seven full participating nations and many observer nations.

"Cobra Gold is an excellent opportunity to develop effective solutions to common challenges, advance military-to-military relationships, and build upon international partner relationships while exercising the diverse capabilities of U.S. Pacific Command forces,” said Simcock, who is also the deputy commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

The exercise will consist of a staff exercise, various senior leader engagements, a field training exercise and humanitarian and civic assistance projects. Full participating nations in the exercise include the Kingdom of Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Japan, Republic of Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The staff exercise will combine service members in a multinational force planning team that will develop an operations plan to be executed during a command post exercise at CG 14. During the field training exercise, forces will conduct training including flight operations, amphibious training, and various training events that will enhance small-unit tactics and the ability to operate as part of a multinational team. The humanitarian and civic assistance projects include construction projects, various community health engagements and medical assistance programs.

Media interested in covering CG 13 should contact 1st Lt. Evan A. Almaas, CG 13 Public Affairs Operations Officer for additional information. He can be reached by email at evan.almaas@usmc.mil or by phone at +81 (0)98-970-0787 before 4 p.m., Feb. 1. After that time, email him at evan.a.almaas@us.army.mil. Please include in the e-mail, full name, agency, intent of coverage, and a cell phone number of each media member interested in attending.